Explore the mysteries of the universe at The University of Toledo’s fourth annual Astronomy Day.

The free, public event on Saturday, April 25 will feature shows in the Ritter Planetarium and UT astronomers sharing their latest research using the Discovery Channel Telescope.

“Astronomy Day is an opportunity for us to invite young people to campus to learn about our solar system and to thank the community for their support of our programs,” said Alex Mak, UT associate planetarium director.

Shows featured during Astronomy Day will be:

•  “The Case of the Disappearing Planet” at 1 p.m. Join Skye Watcher as he explores what happened to the ex-planet Pluto as she tracks down clues that stretch back hundreds of years.

•  “Black Holes, The Other Side of Infinity” at 2 p.m. Narrated by actor Liam Neeson, this production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena, working with data generated by computer simulations, to bring the current science of black holes to the dome screen.

•  “Scanning the Skies” at 3 p.m. This documentary produced by the Discovery Channel looks at the rich history of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz. and their decision to build a new state-of-the-art observatory in the Coconino National Forest.

Following the final documentary show, UT astronomers will talk about their role using the Discovery Channel Telescope and will share a few images they have taken. The day will conclude with a live feed from the telescope.

Throughout Astronomy Day, guests also will have the opportunity to tour the Ritter Planetarium’s one-meter telescope and use it to view Venus, weather permitting. And members of the Toledo Astronomical Association will be available to answer questions about telescopes and provide solar observing, weather permitting.

For more information about Astronomy Day and the Ritter Planetarium, visit utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo.

Media Coverage
The Blade (April 23, 2015)

Tags: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics